Best Games of 2013

With so many major games coming out throughout the year, it can be daunting to try and keep track of which titles qualify as the Best Games of 2013. It's also easy to forget some of the year's earlier surprises by the time November and December roll around. Fortunately, we've been keeping tabs on the best of the best so you don't have to. With that in mind, here are our Best Games of 2013.

25

Ridiculous Fishing: A Tale of Redemption

iOS

You know what's outrageous? That a fishing game could be considered one of the best games of 2013. Of course, the minute you start playing Ridiculous Fishing: A Tale of Redemption you realize just how fun it is to drop a line in the ocean. The soundtrack is terrific, the art style is reminiscent of 8-bit games, (but with a bit more personality), and the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay is addictive as any mobile game that's been released.

24

Angry Birds Star Wars 2

iOS

The supremacy of Angry Birds remains through the years and the release of Angry Birds Star Wars 2 is proof. Not only does it expand on the universes of both franchises, but it makes no compromises on fun. You have a multitude of new levels and birds for you to enjoy. In fact, Rovio has done something spectacular. They've made the Star Wars prequels enjoyable.

23

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox 360

Few games this year have been as fun and ridiculous as Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Fueled by nostalgia for the '80s, Blood Dragon brings the macho attitude we recall from so many bad (read: awesome), sci-fi action movies of the era into a first-person shooter, and reminds us all that not every game has to be serious business. There are dragons with laser eyes, for crying out loud. Add in a wonderful synth soundtrack, and you've got one of the most enjoyable downloadable games we've played this year.

22

Killzone: Shadow Fall

PlayStation 4

The PlayStation 4 arrived on the scene late in the year, but it brought a few impressive titles to the masses at launch. Chief among those was Killzone: Shadow Fall, the fourth console entry in the long-running shooter series. While not as fast-paced as Call of Duty or Battlefield, Killzone managed to match its outstanding presentation with solid gameplay, and gave PS4 owners the first must-own game of the console's short life-span.

21

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

PlayStation 3

When Level 5 teamed with Studio Ghibli to create Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, people expected greatness, but nobody was quite prepared for the RPG to be such an engrossing game. Combining the fantastic animation Ghibli is known for with a robust and challenging gameplay system, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch established itself as an early frontrunner for RPG of the year.

20

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Nintendo 3DS, 2DS

If there's one thing avid Nintendo fans adore, it's a new Animal Crossing. New Leaf brings the sim game to the Nintendo 3DS, with a host of new features, but the same core gameplay die-hard fans have come to expect and enjoy from the series. Being able to play such an addictive game on the go is a major plus, and with the ability to visit friends' towns, there's seemingly no end to this title's enjoyment.

19

Dead Rising 3

Xbox One

The third entry in Capcom's other zombie-filled franchise, Dead Rising 3 brought the apocalypse to the Xbox One at launch. Exclusive to Microsoft's new console, Dead Rising 3 pushed the limits of what we should expect from zombie games, putting more undead beings on the screen than any game ever before. Coupled with the series' trademark customization and weaponry, Dead Rising 3 was a surefire hit, and a game that should not be missed.

18

Guacamelee

PlayStation 3, PS Vita

Whether you're on the go or playing at home, Guacamelee's side-scrolling luchador action shouldn't be missed. A wonderfully eclectic and stylish game, Guacamelee is a title that must be played to be truly appreciated. The action is fast and furious, and it has style and flair to spare. If more games like this are what Sony has planned, the future is certainly bright for the PlayStation brand.

17

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, PlayStation 4

Though Ubisoft had a slight misstep with Assassin's Creed 3, the studio returned to form with Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. Improved presentation and dynamic open-seas action were bolstered by a character and narrative that rivaled the best and earliest entries in the franchise. Add in the upgraded graphic prowess of the next-gen versions, and you can easily understand how Assassin's Creed 4 could be considered one of our Best Games of 2013.

16

The Swapper

PC

Space, the final frontier. That's the setting for the platform-puzzler The Swapper, a unique title that challenges you to solve the mysteries of a space station with nothing but your own ingenuity and a handful of clones. Atmospheric, challenging, and maddening all at once, The Swapper is a perfect example of how to do this genre right.